====== jīhuìzhǔyì: 机会主义 - Opportunism ======
===== Quick Summary =====
  * **Keywords:** 机会主义, jihuizhuyi, Chinese opportunism, opportunist in Chinese, Chinese politics, self-interest, unprincipled, pragmatic vs opportunistic, taking advantage of situations in Chinese, 机会, 主义, what is jihuizhuyi.
  * **Summary:** **机会主义 (jīhuìzhǔyì)** is the Chinese term for **opportunism**, a powerful and almost exclusively negative concept. It describes the practice of seizing any opportunity for personal gain, especially by abandoning one's principles, morals, or loyalty to a group. More than just being "opportunistic" in a business sense, **jīhuìzhǔyì** is a serious criticism of someone's character, implying they are a self-serving and untrustworthy person who acts without a moral compass, often seen in political, workplace, and social contexts.
===== Core Meaning =====
  * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** jīhuìzhǔyì
  * **Part of Speech:** Noun
  * **HSK Level:** N/A
  * **Concise Definition:** The unprincipled practice of exploiting circumstances for immediate self-gain.
  * **In a Nutshell:** Don't mistake **机会主义 (jīhuìzhǔyì)** for simply being good at finding opportunities. This term is a heavy criticism. It accuses someone of prioritizing their own benefit above all else—including loyalty, integrity, and long-term consequences. A **机会主义者 (jīhuìzhǔyìzhě)**, or "opportunist," is someone who changes their stance, betrays allies, or breaks rules whenever it's convenient for them. It carries a strong sense of moral failing and selfishness.
===== Character Breakdown =====
  * **机 (jī):** In this context, this character is part of `机会`. By itself, it can mean "machine" or "mechanism," but here it refers to a pivotal point or a chance.
  * **会 (huì):** Meaning "to meet" or "an occasion." When combined with `机`, `机会 (jīhuì)` literally means a "pivotal meeting" of circumstances—an opportunity or a chance.
  * **主 (zhǔ):** Meaning "main," "primary," or "lord."
  * **义 (yì):** Meaning "justice," "righteousness," or "meaning." When combined with `主`, `主义 (zhǔyì)` becomes the standard suffix for "-ism" in Chinese, denoting a doctrine, ideology, or principle (e.g., 社会主义 shèhuìzhǔyì - socialism).
Putting it all together, **机会 (jīhuì) + 主义 (zhǔyì)** translates directly to "opportunity-ism," perfectly capturing the English word "opportunism."
===== Cultural Context and Significance =====
The term **机会主义 (jīhuìzhǔyì)** has deep roots in 20th-century Chinese political discourse, particularly within the Communist Party, where it was (and still is) a severe accusation. To be labeled a **机会主义者** meant you were deviating from the correct party line for personal power or factional gain, a form of political heresy.
This historical weight gives the term a much stronger negative sting than its English equivalent. While in American business culture, being an "opportunist" can sometimes be a neutral or even admirable trait (e.g., "a savvy opportunist who spotted a gap in the market"), **机会主义** in Chinese is almost never a compliment.
It directly clashes with traditional and collective values:
  *   **Loyalty and Righteousness (忠义 zhōngyì):** Opportunism is the antithesis of loyalty to one's group, company, or country. It implies a willingness to betray for personal benefit.
  *   **Integrity and Trustworthiness (诚信 chéngxìn):** An opportunist is inherently untrustworthy because their actions are not guided by a consistent set of principles but by shifting circumstances.
A useful contrast is the Chinese proverb `识时务者为俊杰 (shí shíwù zhě wéi jùnjié)`, "He who understands the times is a wise man." This describes a pragmatic person who adapts to reality, which is seen as a wise survival skill. **机会主义**, however, crosses the line from pragmatic adaptation to unprincipled self-interest, often at the expense of others.
===== Practical Usage in Modern China =====
**机会主义** is a versatile accusation used across various domains:
  * **In Politics and Academia:** It retains its original meaning of ideological deviation for personal or political gain. You might hear it in news reports or historical discussions.
  * **In the Workplace:** This is a very common usage. It describes a colleague who shamelessly flatters the boss, takes credit for others' work, or shifts their opinion to align with whomever is in power. It's the ultimate insult for a "careerist."
  * **In Business:** It's used to criticize a company that abandons its long-term strategy, ethical standards, or brand values for a short-term profit. For example, a company that suddenly starts greenwashing without making real changes.
  * **In Personal Relationships:** It can describe a "friend" who only appears when they need a favor or a romantic partner who is clearly in the relationship for money or status (a "gold digger").
The term is almost always formal and carries a serious, judgmental tone. It's not something you'd say lightly in casual conversation unless you intend to make a strong criticism.
===== Example Sentences =====
  * **Example 1:**
    * 他被批评为典型的**机会主义**者，因为他为了个人利益背叛了团队。
    * Pinyin: Tā bèi pīpíng wéi diǎnxíng de **jīhuìzhǔyì**zhě, yīnwèi tā wèile gèrén lìyì bèipànle tuánduì.
    * English: He was criticized as a typical opportunist because he betrayed the team for personal gain.
    * Analysis: This is a classic use of the term, highlighting betrayal for self-interest. `者 (zhě)` is a suffix that turns the noun into "one who does," so `机会主义者 (jīhuìzhǔyìzhě)` means "opportunist."
  * **Example 2:**
    * 在商业谈判中，我们必须坚持原则，不能搞**机会主义**。
    * Pinyin: Zài shāngyè tánpàn zhōng, wǒmen bìxū jiānchí yuánzé, bùnéng gǎo **jīhuìzhǔyì**.
    * English: In business negotiations, we must stick to our principles and not engage in opportunism.
    * Analysis: Here, `搞 (gǎo)`, meaning "to do" or "to engage in," is used with `机会主义`. The sentence sets up principles (`原则 yuánzé`) as the direct opposite of opportunism.
  * **Example 3:**
    * 这家公司的战略充满了短视的**机会主义**，他们只关心眼前的利润。
    * Pinyin: Zhè jiā gōngsī de zhànlüè chōngmǎnle duǎnshì de **jīhuìzhǔyì**, tāmen zhǐ guānxīn yǎnqián de lìrùn.
    * English: This company's strategy is full of short-sighted opportunism; they only care about immediate profits.
    * Analysis: This example connects opportunism with short-sightedness (`短视 duǎnshì`), a common association. It implies a lack of a sustainable, principled plan.
  * **Example 4:**
    * 他对老板的态度简直是**机会主义**的典范，老板在的时候他就拼命工作，老板一走他就偷懒。
    * Pinyin: Tā duì lǎobǎn de tàidù jiǎnzhí shì **jīhuìzhǔyì** de diǎnfàn, lǎobǎn zài de shíhou tā jiù pīnmìng gōngzuò, lǎobǎn yī zǒu tā jiù tōulǎn.
    * English: His attitude toward the boss is a perfect example of opportunism; he works desperately when the boss is around and slacks off as soon as the boss leaves.
    * Analysis: A very practical, everyday example of opportunistic behavior in the workplace.
  * **Example 5:**
    * 在历史上，许多政治人物因其**机会主义**路线而受到谴责。
    * Pinyin: Zài lìshǐ shàng, xǔduō zhèngzhì rénwù yīn qí **jīhuìzhǔyì** lùxiàn ér shòudào qiǎnzé.
    * English: Throughout history, many political figures have been condemned for their opportunistic political lines.
    * Analysis: This demonstrates the term's formal, historical, and political usage. `路线 (lùxiàn)` means "line" or "path," referring to a political strategy or ideology.
  * **Example 6:**
    * 我觉得她嫁给你哥哥完全是**机会主义**，她根本不爱他。
    * Pinyin: Wǒ juédé tā jià gěi nǐ gēge wánquán shì **jīhuìzhǔyì**, tā gēnběn bù ài tā.
    * English: I feel her marrying your older brother was complete opportunism; she doesn't love him at all.
    * Analysis: Shows the term's application to personal relationships, implying someone is using another person for status or wealth.
  * **Example 7:**
    * 一个真正的领导者应该有远见，而不是一个**机会主义**者。
    * Pinyin: Yīge zhēnzhèng de lǐngdǎozhě yīnggāi yǒu yuǎnjiàn, ér bùshì yīge **jīhuìzhǔyì**zhě.
    * English: A true leader should have foresight, and not be an opportunist.
    * Analysis: This sentence contrasts leadership and vision (`远见 yuǎnjiàn`) with the short-term, self-serving nature of an opportunist.
  * **Example 8:**
    * 他很会抓住机会，但你不能说他是**机会主义**，因为他从不伤害别人。
    * Pinyin: Tā hěn huì zhuāzhù jīhuì, dàn nǐ bùnéng shuō tā shì **jīhuìzhǔyì**, yīnwèi tā cóng bù shānghài biérén.
    * English: He is very good at seizing opportunities, but you can't say he is opportunistic, because he never hurts others.
    * Analysis: This is a fantastic sentence for understanding the nuance. It clearly separates the positive act of `抓住机会 (zhuāzhù jīhuì)` from the negative, unprincipled nature of `机会主义`.
  * **Example 9:**
    * 这个国家的外交政策被批评为**机会主义**，因为它总是在大国之间摇摆不定以获取最大利益。
    * Pinyin: Zhège guójiā de wàijiāo zhèngcè bèi pīpíng wéi **jīhuìzhǔyì**, yīnwèi tā zǒng shì zài dàguó zhī jiān yáobǎi bùdìng yǐ huòqǔ zuìdà lìyì.
    * English: This country's foreign policy is criticized as opportunistic because it always wavers between major powers to gain the maximum benefit.
    * Analysis: Demonstrates the term's use in a broader, international relations context.
  * **Example 10:**
    * 他的成功不是靠**机会主义**，而是靠多年的努力和坚持。
    * Pinyin: Tā de chénggōng bùshì kào **jīhuìzhǔyì**, érshì kào duōnián de nǔlì hé jiānchí.
    * English: His success did not rely on opportunism, but on years of hard work and perseverance.
    * Analysis: This sentence directly contrasts opportunism with positive values like hard work (`努力 nǔlì`) and perseverance (`坚持 jiānchí`).
===== Nuances and Common Mistakes =====
  * **False Friend: "Opportunistic" vs. `机会主义`**
    The most common mistake for English speakers is to map the English word "opportunistic" directly onto `机会主义`. While they can overlap, "opportunistic" in English can be neutral or even positive in a business context (e.g., "an opportunistic investment"). `机会主义` is **never positive**. It is always an accusation about a lack of moral character.
  * **Seizing an opportunity vs. Being an opportunist**
    To describe someone who is good at spotting and acting on legitimate chances, you should use the phrase `善于抓住机会 (shànyú zhuāzhù jīhuì)` or `很会把握机会 (hěn huì bǎwò jīhuì)`. Using `机会主义` in this context is a serious mistake and an insult.
  * **Incorrect Usage Example:**
    * **Incorrect:** `他看到了市场的空白，马上开发了新产品，真是个聪明的机会主义者！` (Tā kàn dàole shìchǎng de kòngbái, mǎshàng kāifāle xīn chǎnpǐn, zhēnshì ge cōngmíng de jīhuìzhǔyìzhě!)
    * **Why it's wrong:** This sentence is meant as a compliment, but calling someone a `机会主义者` is an insult. It implies his success was based on some unprincipled or unethical shortcut.
    * **Correct Version:** `他看到了市场的空白，马上开发了新产品，真会抓住机会！` (Tā kàn dàole shìchǎng de kòngbái, mǎshàng kāifāle xīn chǎnpǐn, zhēn huì zhuāzhù jīhuì!) - "He saw a gap in the market and immediately developed a new product, he's really good at seizing opportunities!"
===== Related Terms and Concepts =====
  * [[投机取巧]] (tóujī qǔqiǎo) - A chengyu (idiom) meaning to speculate and grab a clever advantage. It's very similar to opportunism but emphasizes the "trickery" or "clever shortcut" aspect.
  * [[见风使舵]] (jiàn fēng shǐ duò) - A chengyu literally meaning "to steer the rudder according to the wind." It's a vivid metaphor for an unprincipled opportunist who changes their stance based on the political climate.
  * [[精致的利己主义者]] (jīngzhì de lìjǐ zhǔyìzhě) - "Refined/Exquisite Egoist." A modern, popular term describing highly intelligent people who expertly use their knowledge of the system for purely selfish ends. A very specific and modern type of opportunist.
  * [[骑墙派]] (qíqiángpài) - The "fence-sitters." Describes a person or faction that refuses to take a side, waiting to see who will win before joining them. A classic opportunist behavior.
  * [[务实]] (wùshí) - Pragmatic; practical. Often seen as a positive or neutral trait, and a spiritual antonym to opportunism. A pragmatic person adapts to reality but can still have principles (`原则`), whereas an opportunist has none.
  * [[原则]] (yuánzé) - Principle. The core concept that a `机会主义者` is accused of lacking.
  * [[个人主义]] (gèrénzhǔyì) - Individualism. While both relate to the self, individualism is a broader philosophy about self-reliance, whereas opportunism is a specific, negative behavior pattern of exploiting situations.
  * [[实用主义]] (shíyòngzhǔyì) - Pragmatism (the formal philosophical term). `机会主义` can be seen as the most negative and unethical application of a "results-at-all-costs" mindset.